Cape daisy (Osteospermum fruticosum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cape daisy on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Cape daisy
Osteospermum fruticosum, commonly known as African Daisy or Cape Daisy, is a low-growing, spreading perennial native to South Africa. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers, often white, pink, purple, or yellow, open with the sun and close at dusk, creating a beautiful display. It's ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, or filling containers and hanging baskets, bringing color and cheer to any sunny spot.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It thrives in full sun for abundant flowering and requires well-drained soil, as it is susceptible to waterlogging. Water moderately, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings, and reduce frequency in winter. To encourage more blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which would promote leafy growth over flowering.
How to save a dying Cape daisy
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or wilting leaves; flowers not opening or dropping. Soft, dark roots.
- First aid
- Check drainage. Reduce watering if waterlogged. If dry, water thoroughly. Prune dead flowers and leaves.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage are its worst enemies. Also, lack of direct sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Act fast with drainage and watering.